Incidence of diabetes mellitus in adult patients of otomycosis

To determine the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in patients of otomycosis presenting to a tertiary care University Hospital. Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out at Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from October 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016. Adult patients of either gender presenting with otomycosis of more than 4 weeks duration were screened regarding evidence of DM. In unconfirmed cases, blood was sent for HbA1c. SPSS version 20.0 was used for the purpose of statistical analysis. Results: Out of 149 patients, 93 (62.4%) were males and 56 (37.6%) were females. Mean age was 54.31+-7.97 years. The prevalence of diabetes was observed in 14 (9.39%) patients. Conclusion: Contrary to the expectation diabetics made up only 9.39% of otomycotic patients, (p<0.0001) indicating that multiple factors may be contributing synergistically in patients refractory to the prescribed treatment. (author)